NFL assistant coach and former All-Pro offensive lineman Howard Mudd died Wednesday. He was 78." data-reactid="32">Howard Mudd, longtime NFL assistant coach and former All-Pro offensive lineman, died Wednesday. He was 78 years old.
Mudd had been in an intensive care unit in Seattle following a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. His family announced his death on Wednesday in a statement:
“We want to share that yesterday we [as a family] decided to focus care on the best comfort of Howard. Right after the accident, he fought so hard against all odds to communicate to us that he loves us and that he knows we love him. Yesterday it became clear that he was ready and that we had to surround him with love and fight for his right to comfort and peace.
“This morning he was surrounded in the room by his sons [Darren and Adam] who held his arms and prayed for him when he died.
From All-Pro to legendary line coach
NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s." data-reactid="43">Mudd played the offensive line for the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears from 1964 to 1970. He was named Pro Bowl three times and once named All-Pro. He was a member of the NFL All-Decade team for the 1960s.
NFL as an offensive line coach with the San Diego Chargers in 1974. He coached for seven different teams before retiring in 2012, most notably a stint with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998-2009 that encompassed the Peyton Manning era and a Super Bowl victory after the 2006 season" data-reactid="44">After retiring as a player, Mudd returned to the NFL as an offensive line coach with the San Diego Chargers in 1974. He coached for seven different teams before retiring in 2012, including a stint with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2009 which encompassed the Peyton Manning era and a Super Bowl victory after the 2006 season
“In my opinion, Howard Mudd was the best offensive lineman in NFL history,” Manning said in a statement released by the Colts. “I would put him on this pedestal any day of the week.
“He will be missed by many. I know many like me are grateful to have played for him.
Mudd joined the Colts in the last offseason before retiring in September after training camp. Head coach Frank Reich brought him in to help form a talented young offensive line anchored by All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
“For me that was amazing because a lot of what I learned in the racing game and the protection world comes from my first time here with Howard,” said the head coach of the Colts Frank Reich when Mudd resigned.
Mudd’s legacy as a line coach
NFL in six different seasons and allowed the fewest total sacks in the league of any team during his 192-game tenure. He taught a “jump set” approach to pass protection that instructed lineman to attack pass rushers rather than dropping back and reacting to defenders as they make their move." data-reactid="62">According to the Indianapolis Star, Mudd’s offensive lines with the Colts gave up the fewest NFL sacks in six different seasons and allowed the fewest total sacks in the league of all teams during his 192 tenure. matches. He taught a “set of jumps” approach to passing protection that required the lineman to attack the passing throwers rather than backing up and reacting to the defenders as they make their move.
Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted his respect for Mudd on the news of his death.
Rest in peace, Howard Mudd. Howard was a BIG player in a shortened career and went on to become one of the best offensive linemen of all time. He has contributed to many different teams for 47 years in our league – but he will always be a Colt. #LoveYouHoward
– Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) Aug 12, 2020
